As dementia affects each person in different ways, knowing the particular reasons or triggers as to why a person is displaying unusual behaviour will help the person with dementia, their families and the carers to understand and choose options.

Dementia is a result of changes that take place in the brain which affect the person's memory, mood, reactions and responses. Sometimes these reactions may be related to the changes taking place in the brain.

In other instances, the behaviour may be triggered by changes in the person's environment, health or medication. Remember that a behaviour change is not deliberate!

Causes of behaviour change

Always discuss concerns about behaviour changes with the person's GP, who will be able to check whether there is an underlying condition.

It is very important to get the correct information and diagnosis, so as other potentially reversible conditions that can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia can be addressed and treated.

Some of these reversible conditions may include:

Infections such as urinary tract infections

Side effects from medications

Depression and/or anxiety disorders

Vitamin deficiencies

Hormone deficiencies

Ways to improve the outcome following periods of unusual behaviour

Symptoms may vary from person to person, but consider the following:

The person with dementia may have difficulty expressing their needs and desires. Try and identify what it is they would like.

Speak to the person slowly and calmly with a reassuring voice.

Provide a calm environment in which the person can follow a familiar routine. Plan a predictable daily routine, taking advantage of the person's best time of day to undertake tasks, such as bathing and dressing.

Try to keep the environment familiar. People with dementia can become upset if they find themselves in a strange situation or among a group of unfamiliar people where they feel confused and are having difficulty functioning.

Minimising the distress of behaviour changes

Involve the person in a meaningful activity e.g. play their favourite music, or reminiscing about a happy occasion that they remember or bake a cake together.

Make a list of activities, people or places that the person enjoys now and plan these things more frequently.

Encourage the person to exercise regularly; gentle exercise such as walking or swimming may assist in improving the person's quality of life. You may like to join in!

Joining a support group may assist the person in the early stages of dementia and may also assist their family or carer to understand the condition and how to best improve their quality of life.

For more information see Alzheimer's Australia Help sheet on Changed Behaviours and dementia